1934 Goudey File Babe Ruth Proof Photo and 1934 Goudey Letter

Direct from the files of Goudey are two fascinating items directly relating to Goudey baseball card issues. The first is an original proof photograph (8 x 10 inches), featuring Babe Ruth at bat, the same pose of Ruth used by Goudey in the production of the R309 large-format Goudey premium set. It is interesting to note that because this is the original photograph upon which Goudey based the R309 production art, it includes figures in the background which do not appear on the premium. This photograph was also used by Goudey as the foundation for Ruth's #144 card in the 1933 Goudey set. The fact that the photo has a facsimile signature in white suggests that perhaps this photo was produced by Goudey for the purpose of somehow issuing in this manner, but this is purely speculative. The letter which accompanies the photo is on the stationery of The United States Printing Company, Goudey's printer in the early 1930s. Dated July 25, 1934 and addressed to R.J. Resch, in his capacity as treasurer of Goudey Gum, the letter advises that "attached you will find the original executed release of Chuck Klein and Frank Frisch." The letter goes on to emphasize that these releases have been made out exclusively to the Goudey Gum Co. and/or the United States Printing & Lithography Company. We cannot be certain of the significance of this correspondence, but it is interesting to note that Chuck Klein was one of the two players featured across the bottom of the 1934 Goudey series (on 12 high number series cards, "Chuck Klein says..."), and we suspect that this is not a coincidence. The low numbers (and 12 high numbers) of 1934 Goudey read "Lou Gehrig says..." with Gehrig's picture on the front, introducing the reverse text of the cards. Based on its date of July 25, 1934, it is likely that this letter relates to the use of Chuck Klein's name and likeness on high number cards in the 1934 Goudey set, issued late in the season, and that at this time it was contemplated to also use the name and likeness of Frank Frisch on cards yet to be issued, a plan which was never executed. The Ruth photograph has a light crease along the bottom border and is otherwise in Excellent condition. The letter has normal mailing folds and is otherwise in Excellent condition. Reserve $200. Estimate $400/$800.SOLD FOR $920.00

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